Keenray CL1 vs CL2 Towel Warmer: Which Is Better? (November 2026)
Choose the CL1 for a 20 L capacity and up to 60 minutes of heating; choose the CL2 for its child lock and progress bar. Both fit up to two 40 x 70 in towels.
On this page (7 sections)
The Keenray CL1 vs CL2 choice comes down to capacity and controls. Choose the CL1 for its 20 L capacity and up to 60 minutes of heating, or the CL2 for a child lock, progress bar and fragrance disc holder.
Both fit up to two 40 x 70 in towels.
The CL1 uses a single button and has auto shut off. The CL2 also uses one-button control and adds the child lock, progress bar and fragrance disc holder.
For other options, see our towel warmer guide for home use.
Keenray CL1 vs CL2: what is the key difference?
The CL1 has 20 L of capacity, while the CL2 has 18 L and adds a child lock and heating progress bar. Both are bucket warmers designed to fit up to two 40 x 70 in towels.
The CL1 has single-button control, up to 60 minutes of heating and auto shut off. The CL2's progress bar marks 20 minutes for light fabrics and 30 minutes for heavy fabrics, such as bathrobes or pajamas.
Choose based on whether you value more stated capacity or the CL2's added controls.
Which Keenray warmer fits your towels?
Both models fit up to two 40 x 70 in towels, but the CL1 has the larger stated capacity. The CL1 is 20 L, and the CL2 is 18 L.
Towel size and folding can affect fit. Bulky fabric takes up more room, so consider how you'll load the bucket.
When does the CL1's larger capacity matter?
The CL1 may suit you if you want a 20 L bucket for towels or other items such as a robe or blanket. Keenray says the model accommodates towels, bathrobes, blankets and pajamas.
Its dimensions are 13 x 13 x 19 in. Measure your available surface and check for a suitable outlet before choosing a spot.
For more guidance, see our guide to choosing a towel warmer size.
Is the CL2 too small for two towels?
The CL2 has an 18 L capacity and is designed to fit up to two 40 x 70 in towels. Folding and loading can affect how well they fit.
Its dimensions are 18 in long by 11 in wide. Check the full footprint and available surface before choosing a spot.
If you'll warm bulky robes along with towels, consider how much room you'll need inside the bucket.
Which controls are easier to use?
Choose the CL1 for one-button operation and up to 60 minutes of heating; choose the CL2 if a progress bar is useful. Both use a single button.
The CL1 has auto shut off. The CL2's progress bar marks 20 minutes for light fabrics and 30 minutes for heavier fabrics.
These times are reference points, and the result can vary with fabric and how much you put inside. Follow the instructions for setup and use.
What does the CL2 progress bar show?
The CL2 progress bar indicates heating progress. Keenray describes the 20-minute point for light fabrics such as towels and socks, and the 30-minute point for heavy fabrics such as bathrobes and pajamas.
The bar gives you a visible cue while the warmer runs. For more on timing, read our guide to how long a towel warmer takes to heat up.
Does the CL1 have a timer?
The CL1 heats for up to 60 minutes and has auto shut off. It uses a single button.
Choose the CL2 if its progress bar and child lock matter more than the CL1's larger bucket.
Does the CL2's child lock make it safer?
The CL2 has a child lock button on its top cover. Keenray says it is designed to prevent children from accidentally operating the warmer or touching the inside of the bucket.
This control may suit households with children or pets, but it doesn't remove the need to supervise use. Follow the manual for setup and placement.
Both models have auto shut off. For temperature information, see how hot a towel warmer gets.
Does fragrance matter in the comparison?
The CL2 has a built-in fragrance disc holder. Its care instructions say to use only official Keenray fragrance discs, keep the disc from touching towels and remove it after use.
The CL2 instructions warn that essential oils and other liquids in the holder can damage the warmer. If fragrance isn't important to you, focus on capacity, controls and fit.
Which model should you choose?
Choose the CL1 for its 20 L bucket and up to 60 minutes of heating, or the CL2 for a child lock, progress bar and fragrance disc holder. Both fit up to two 40 x 70 in towels.
The CL1's score is 8.8 for its capacity and straightforward control. The CL2 scores 8.2, with its smaller capacity balanced by its household controls.
Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for. We compared the models' stated capacity, controls and features.
For more timer and temperature choices, see our Keenray CL1 Plus comparison. For more bucket styles, read our countertop towel warmer guide.
Pick the CL1 for greater capacity and simple timed heating. Pick the CL2 for a child lock and progress bar.
Sources
- Keenray CL1 product page
- Keenray CL2 product page
Frequently asked questions
What is the main difference between Keenray CL1 and CL2?
The CL1 has a 20 L capacity and heats for up to 60 minutes. The CL2 has an 18 L capacity, a child lock and a heating progress bar.
Both fit up to two 40 x 70 in towels, so choose based on capacity and controls.
Does the Keenray CL2 hold more towels than the CL1?
Both models are described as fitting up to two 40 x 70 in towels. The CL1 has a 20 L capacity and the CL2 has 18 L, so the CL1 has more stated volume.
Towel size and folding can affect fit.
Does the CL2 have a child lock?
Yes. The CL2 has a child lock button on the top cover, designed to prevent children from accidentally operating or touching the inside of the bucket.
It may suit households that want this control, but follow the warmer's manual for use.
Can you add essential oils to the CL2 fragrance holder?
No. Keenray's care instructions say to use only its official fragrance discs in the holder, keep the disc from touching towels and remove it after use.
They warn that essential oils or other liquids in the holder can damage the warmer.
Should you choose the CL1 Plus instead?
Consider the CL1 Plus if you want a digital screen, 30, 45, 60 or 90 minute heating choices, a delay timer up to 24 hours and 3 temperature levels. See our Keenray CL1 vs CL1 Plus comparison for that model's trade-offs.
